Brendan Rodgers is determined to resist any attempt to lure Martin Skrtel from
Liverpool, insisting there have been no bids for the defender.

Skrtel suggested in an interview last week he has received several offers to leave. That is news to Rodgers. Liverpool hope to conclude negotiations on a new deal with the 27 year-old and are bemused by suggestions there has been any breakdown in those conversations. The club expects talks to continue in the coming weeks.

Skrtel featured in the opening game of Rodgers’ reign in Canada on Saturday, a low-key 1-1 draw with Toronto, and the Liverpool manager said he would fight to keep his centre-back.

Asked if there had been offers for the defender, Rodgers said: “No. I’ve heard nothing from any other club. Martin has been fantastic and seems happy and contented. He fits into my plans and ideas. I will fight as hard as I can to keep the players that I want here and he is one of them.

“Unfortunately there is always that rumour, speculation and gossip and until the window closes that will continue.”

It had seemed Skrtel would be remaining on Merseyside until the comments published in an interview in his own country.

“There have been a number of offers, but without Liverpool’s permission nothing can move forward,” said Skrtel.

Given Liverpool’s position, it is evident any such offers have been made directly to the player rather than to his club.

Rodgers struck a similar tone with Luis Suárez, perplexed by the suggestion Juventus believe they can strike a deal for the Uruguayan striker and pair him with Arsenal's Robin Van Persie next season.

Suárez has already held positive talks with the Northern Irishman by phone and he is sure of his ongoing commitment to Anfield. As with Skrtel and Daniel Agger, Liverpool hope Suárez will sign an improved contract shortly.

“I’m confident he is really looking forward to playing for us this season and is really looking forward to this way of football,” said Rodgers.

“I have spoken to him and had nothing but positivity from him. He is obviously at the Olympics and I wish him well, but I will wish him better when he comes back.”

The Euro 2012 representatives, including Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, will land in Boston this evening.

Carroll’s future has been plunged into doubt since Newcastle’s failed loan bid, but he will not leave during this transfer window if Liverpool’s £20 million valuation is not met.

Liverpool may have to play their first competitive fixture, the Europa League qualifier in either Belarus or Macedonia on Aug 2, without their England players as Rodgers assesses their fitness.

He is concerned it may be too soon into their pre-season programme and will not risk jeopardising their fitness ahead of the Premier League campaign.